L. Joyce Howlett
HOWLETT, L. Joyce – It is with profound sadness that the family of Joyce Howlett announces her peaceful passing at the age of 93, just weeks after her beloved husband, Fred, passed. Their bond to one another was so strong that she could not wait any longer to be with him again.
Fred and Joyce celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last August. Together they raised a beautiful family. Predeceased by her son, John, Joyce will be fondly remembered by her children Mary (Mike Nero), Nancy (Peter Wedel), Alice (Peter Hartmans), Peter Howlett and Roy Nahbexie. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. In her final days, she expressed joy and deep gratitude for the time she had with them.
Joyce was born in Toronto to Roger and Madeleine Monkman. The eldest of four children, she and her family had several homes – Kitchener, Montreal and a few locations in Toronto. Despite the many moves, she was resilient and excelled at school. Joyce also loved singing and camping with the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at U of T, Victoria College and took a job at Cooperator’s Insurance.
On a blind date arranged by a friend, Joyce met the love of her life. She and Fred were married in 1957 and began their family. Despite illnesses and the loss of their first born, Joyce and Fred lovingly raised their five other children. While keeping the family home running, Joyce managed to carve out time for her own interests. She spent hours researching her family history and gardening, and she volunteered her time in many ways (Toronto Christian Resource Centre, Dublin St. United Fine Art Show and Sale, Guelph Handweavers and Spinners, Ontario Handweavers and Spinners, Ontario Genealogical Society).
Two of Joyce’s greatest joys came from singing in the church choir and developing her skills as a fibre artist. Already a knitter and a sewer, she also learned to spin, weave and dye yarn. Joyce made countless beautiful blankets, sweaters, hats, mitts, tea towels, table runners and clothing items that family members cherished. Until her stroke in 2020, her loom was always warped with a colourful project, and her knitting needles were seldom idle.
As Joyce reflected on her life in recent days, she expressed deep gratitude and satisfaction. She knew she was dearly loved, and she was ready to take her final journey. During her last days Joyce listened to her favourite childhood stories read aloud and sang hymns with family and friends. We can find comfort in her final melodious words, “It is well with my soul”.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have cared for Joyce, including the wonderful teams at Arbour Trails, Peace of Mind Care and Hospice Wellington. You have all been a blessing to us.
A memorial service will be held at Dublin St. United Church, 68 Suffolk St. W., Guelph at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In lieu of flowers, Joyce would appreciate donations to Dublin St. United Church or Hospice Wellington.
A tree will be planted in memory of L. Joyce Howlett in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.